Living in London: Salary, Housing & Cost of Living (2026)

Updated June 2026 · ONS data · HMRC 2026/27 rates

£2,100 avg rent/month ONS, April 2026

£523,000 avg house price ONS, March 2026

£47,900 local salary median ONS ASHE 2025 est.

£180/mo avg transport cost monthly estimate

Is My Salary Enough in London?

See how far different salaries go in London after tax and living costs.

Is £25,000 enough in London? → Is £30,000 enough in London? → Is £35,000 enough in London? → Is £40,000 enough in London? → Is £45,000 enough in London? → Is £50,000 enough in London? → Is £60,000 enough in London? → Is £75,000 enough in London? →

Can I Afford a House in London?

See whether different salaries can cover the average London house price of £523,000.

£25,000 salary in London ✗ Out of reach → £30,000 salary in London ✗ Out of reach → £35,000 salary in London ✗ Out of reach → £40,000 salary in London ✗ Out of reach → £45,000 salary in London ✗ Out of reach → £50,000 salary in London ✗ Out of reach → £60,000 salary in London ✗ Out of reach → £75,000 salary in London ✗ Out of reach →

London vs Other Cities

See how London compares to other UK cities for cost of living and salary.

London vs Manchester Rent £751 /mo cheaper in Manchester

London vs Birmingham Rent £1,150 /mo cheaper in Birmingham

London vs Bristol Rent £900 /mo cheaper in Bristol

London vs Edinburgh Rent £650 /mo cheaper in Edinburgh

London vs Cardiff Rent £1,100 /mo cheaper in Cardiff

London vs Liverpool Rent £1,200 /mo cheaper in Liverpool

London vs Glasgow Rent £1,150 /mo cheaper in Glasgow

London vs Newcastle Rent £1,300 /mo cheaper in Newcastle

London vs Sheffield Rent £1,250 /mo cheaper in Sheffield

London vs Leeds Rent £1,050 /mo cheaper in Leeds

Calculate Your Personal Numbers for London

The figures above are based on average costs. Use our tools to enter your exact situation and get personalised results.

Salary Reality Checker See your take-home pay and disposable income in London → Housing Affordability Tool See when you can afford to buy in London → Should I Move Simulator Compare London with other UK cities →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average rent in London?

The average rent for a one-bedroom property in London is £2,100 /month, based on ONS Private Rental Market Survey data for April 2026.

What is the average house price in London?

The average house price in London is £523,000, based on ONS UK House Price Index data for March 2026. The average flat price is £418,400.

What is the average salary in London?

The estimated local median salary in London is £47,900, derived from ONS regional pay data (ASHE 2025). This is £10,470 above the UK full-time median of £37,430.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in London?

Based on average costs in London, a single person would need around £6,300 gross per year for rent to stay within 33% of take-home pay — a commonly used affordability guideline. Individual circumstances vary significantly.

Rent from ONS Private Rental Market Survey, April 2026. House prices from ONS UK House Price Index, March 2026. Local salary median derived from ONS regional pay data (ASHE 2025) — approximation only. All figures are estimates. Last updated: June 2026.